Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the world’s highest single free-standing mountain. Located in Arusha, Tanzania, this volcanic mountain stands at 19,40 feet above sea level. There are seven routes that climbers can take to the peak: Machame, commonly referred to as the “whiskey route”; Lemosho; Shira; Rongai; Northern Circuit; Arrow Glacier; and Marangu. What differentiates the various routes is their level of difficulty.
Consensus holds that Marangu, dubbed the “Coca-Cola route,” is the easiest way to ascend Kilimanjaro, because the gradient is not particularly steep and the terrain is not especially rocky. Those who use this route can sleep in huts, unlike the other routes, where the climbers must camp in tents.
More than 30,000 people climb Mount Kilimanjaro annually. Unless you are looking to break a mountaineering record going up and down the mountain, the climb and descent should take you about seven days.